ISL 2024-25: Coaches Share Insights and Ambitions Ahead of New Season

by FC September 4, 2024

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 Media Day began in Kolkata with representatives from seven clubs, i.e. Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC, Mohammedan SC, Odisha FC, Jamshedpur FC, and NorthEast United FC previewing the upcoming season.

The event saw a blend of new and familiar faces, with Mohun Bagan’s Jose Molina and Punjab FC’s Panagiotis Dilmperis making their ISL debuts as head coaches, while veterans like Sergio Lobera, Khalid Jamil, Juan Pedro Benali, and Carles Cuadrat discussed their strategies for the campaign.

The discussions, however, began with the newly-promoted Mohammedan SC head coach Andrey Chernyshov expressing his pleasure at joining the ISL, with his captain Samad Ali Mallick underlining their ambitions to challenge for the playoffs straightaway.

“It’s a nice feeling to be a part of the ISL family. We did a great job last year by winning the I-League. I am thrilled about our supporters. They had been expecting this for many years. I can’t wait to get started with the league,” Chernyshov said.

NorthEast United FC’s Strategic Outlook

NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali emphasized the importance of focusing on the present rather than resting on past laurels. Reflecting on his team’s recent success, including their victory in the Durand Cup, Benali remarked, “We are now starting to realize with what we did in the Durand Cup! But, now, we look forward to the ISL and there’s another story that’s waiting for us in the coming season. Trophies in the past don’t make you play better. You are only as good as your last game.” Benali’s focus on current performance highlights his commitment to building on recent achievements without complacency.

ISL 2024-25 Media Day: NorthEast United FC’s Juan Pedro Benali Focuses on Present as ISL Coaches Share Season Outlook

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 Media Day kicked off in Kolkata with an engaging preview of the upcoming season, featuring representatives from seven clubs: Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC, Mohammedan SC, Odisha FC, Jamshedpur FC, and NorthEast United FC. The event was marked by a mix of fresh faces and seasoned veterans as head coaches laid out their plans and ambitions for the season.

NorthEast United FC’s Strategic Outlook

NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali emphasized the importance of focusing on the present rather than resting on past laurels. Reflecting on his team’s recent success, including their victory in the Durand Cup, Benali remarked, “We are now starting to realize with what we did in the Durand Cup! But, now, we look forward to the ISL and there’s another story that’s waiting for us in the coming season. Trophies in the past don’t make you play better. You are only as good as your last game.” Benali’s focus on current performance highlights his commitment to building on recent achievements without complacency.

Mohun Bagan and East Bengal’s Preparations

The Kolkata giants, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC, are gearing up for the new season with high expectations. Mohun Bagan, under the leadership of Jose Molina, is preparing to defend their title. Molina expressed confidence in his squad, noting, “It’s a process to prepare the team for the ISL. We have been working together for a month and there are still a few things to improve upon. We are confident in our players and the way we have trained until now.”

East Bengal FC’s coach Carles Cuadrat, who has been working to avoid a repeat of last season’s slow start, is optimistic about his team’s readiness. Cuadrat commented, “It’s a different season with different players, and hence I wouldn’t like to compare to the last campaign, because every team is in a different situation as they were last time around. We have the complete squad with us and we will have to be competitive from day one.”

Odisha FC’s Continued Ambitions

Odisha FC, having finished fourth last season and enjoyed a strong performance across various competitions, is looking to build on their recent successes. Head coach Sergio Lobera, who is in his sixth year in India, highlighted the club’s impressive run last season. “We had an amazing season last year, finishing at the top of the group in the AFC Cup. We were close to winning the Super Cup and we reached the ISL semi-finals for the first time in the club’s history. It was an amazing run and we want to replicate that this year to put a smile on the faces of the fans,” Lobera said.

Jamshedpur FC and Punjab FC’s New Beginnings

Jamshedpur FC, led by Khalid Jamil, is anticipating the positive impact of new league regulations, including the introduction of concussion substitutes and mandatory qualifications for Indian assistant coaches. Jamil, one of the two Indian head coaches in the ISL alongside Hyderabad FC’s Thangboi Singto, remarked, “These new rules will help in the development of Indian football. We shall study it in detail and see how they could help us benefit during the course of the season as well.”

Punjab FC, under new Greek head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis, has made notable additions to their roster. Dilmperis expressed satisfaction with his squad, while captain Luka Majcen emphasized the importance of a strong start to the season. “I am really lucky with all the players we have got in the Punjab FC roster. They are all great personalities and our aim is to achieve greater heights than we did last year,” Dilmperis stated.

The second day of the Media Day will see Mumbai City FC, FC Goa, Chennaiyin FC, Bengaluru FC, Hyderabad FC, and Kerala Blasters FC presenting their plans in Kochi. The ISL 2024-25 season is set to commence on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 7:30pm IST, with live coverage available on JioCinema and the Sports18 network.

Also Read: Manolo’s men held by Mauritius in Intercontinental Cup opener

Must Read: The Importance of Leadership in Sports Management

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.